I've said before that it's ironic that layout owners seldom operate their own layouts, often playing host for operating sessions instead.

Ever since I picked up my first issue of Model Railroader (January, 1983), the motto "Model Railroading is Fun!" has been emblazoned somewhere at the top of the front cover. Model railroading is "The World's Greatest Hobby" (another motto) - and for good reason: Arguably no other hobby offers as diverse a range of opportunities to learn & practice different skills. From engineering/planning, to carpentry, electrical work & electronics, painting, sculpture, and of course modeling, model railroading really has it all.

I've often heard there are two ways to operate a model railroad: 1) the ever-popular Car Cards & Waybills (CC/WB) system, or 2) Switchlists. But I'm wondering whether there's a 3rd way that doesn't get much mention - or maybe I've missed it. . .

While it's true that layout progress has lagged these past two months due to other projects, another (and maybe even bigger) reason is that I allowed myself to get stuck trying to create the backdrop behind the Wethersfield section of my layout.  My problem is essentially that I know too much about the prototype, how it's supposed to look. And I don't have any photos that come anywhere close to that - nor do I have the painting or PhotoShop skills to make them up.

Maybe you can offer some advice that'll help me get past this roadblock.

It's been a while since I've posted, but suffice it to say that most of May and June were taken up with car and house projects. Thankfully, those are in the rear-view and I'm turning my attention back to the layout. But everything's a bit different - I haven't had a monthly ops session since the end of January.

I forgot to include the "Air Line" section in my layout tour video from a few weeks ago, so here it is (and using a gimbal for the first time . . .). Constructive criticism, tips, suggestions, and other feedback always welcome, so lemme know what you think!

Now that I've caught up on some sleep, WOW! What an amazing event the NMRA-X Worldwide Virtual Convention was this weekend! I hope you were able to join in for at least part of it. But if you didn't, no worries! The entire feed was recorded and will be edited to be more user friendly at some point soon.

*** THIS VIRTUAL ONLINE CONVENTION HAS ENDED ***

For those of you disappointed that so many train shows and conventions have been cancelled lately, be sure to check out the Worldwide NMRA Virtual Convention which is actually going on now!

So be sure to tune in - especially at 1p Eastern Time when I'll be giving a presentation on using prototype inspiration and information to model a New England branchline (no points for guessing which one!)

Hope this finds you safe and well, all things considered. Looks like it'll be a while before anybody is able to visit the layout, so if you've ever wanted to attend an open house and couldn't - or if you're just looking for a 23 minute distraction from the current craziness - give this a view. Feedback welcomed - Enjoy!

Chris Adams